Imaging of bone tumors: evaluation of direct magnification radiography.

Abstract

To evaluate the potentials of magnification radiography as compared with conventional radiography in diagnosing bone tumors. Sixty-two patients with primary bone tumors and tumorlike lesions underwent radiography with both conventional (non-magnified) and magnification (five-fold) techniques. All radiographs were analyzed by four radiologists and the findings correlated with the histopathology findings. The microfocal X-ray unit used for magnification radiography had a focal spot size of 20-130 microns. Digital luminescence radiography was employed with magnification, while normal film-screen systems were used with conventional radiography. The diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions as well as the individual tumor diagnosis were determined with higher accuracy using magnification compared with conventional radiography (88% vs 75% and 71% vs 52%, p < 0.01). Margins of destruction, periosteal reactions and matrix patterns were evaluated with higher certainty by all of the radiologists (p < 0.01). Magnification radiography may improve the evaluation and diagnosis of bone tumors.